With the arrival of spring, it’s time for Southwestern Yacht Club’s annual Benefit on the Bay, the yacht club’s three-part event which again supports the programs of ElderHelp of San Diego. All events, which raise about $50,000 each year, are open to the public.
This is one of the yacht club’s many efforts to give back to the community, said Southwestern Yacht Club Commodore Chris Brzezinski.
“Southwestern Yacht Club members look forward to this event each year, and we invite the community to come out to participate in the on-the-water activities and the evening gala,” she said. “ElderHelp of San Diego has assisted more than 90,000 older San Diegans and their families with a multitude of services, and this is our opportunity to give back.”
This year’s Benefit on the Bay kicks off on Saturday, April 5 at 5:30 p.m. with a wine reception preceding the Sunset Soirée, both held at Southwestern’s clubhouse at 2703 Qualtrough St. in Point Loma. Guests may purchase tickets for the wine reception alone for $35 per person or for both the reception and the soirée at $125 per person.
The Sunset Soirée includes an extensive silent auction featuring gift items and travel opportunities, including two international cruises and exotic getaways, as well as a dinner, which concludes with a live auction. Formal, cocktail or yacht club attire is requested for the event.
The soirée, which began about 12 years ago, complements the 27th annual Charity Bay Race and Regatta, which will be held the following day on Sunday, April 6.
In the regatta, sailboats follow a challenging 10-mile San Diego Bay course. A lucky few may purchase special spectator seats and enjoy catered appetizers and wine aboard decorated yachts while watching the race. Post-regatta, the yacht club will host a festive party, barbecue and awards ceremony at the clubhouse. Race entry fees are $50 per boat, reduced from $70 last year, while party tickets are $15 per person.
The Benefit on the Bay wraps up on Saturday, May 3 with the 44th annual Bottom Fishing Tournament. This includes breakfast, a fishing tourney plus a banquet and fish fry featuring a raffle with prizes.
Unlike many large special events managed by professional event planners, this set of events is organized and run entirely by yacht club volunteers, said Pat Hansen, volunteer executive director for Benefit on the Bay. Hansen has worked on the evening gala since its inception and now oversees the entire event.
“The beneficiary receives every penny that we raise,” Hansen said. “We welcome everyone who wants to come. The more, the merrier — and the more we can donate to ElderHelp to support their programs helping the elderly stay in their homes and age gracefully.”
More details about the soirée and registration information for the regatta and fishing tournament are available on Southwestern’s website at www.southwesternyc.org. To purchase event tickets, call the yacht club at (619) 222-0438.
For more information about ElderHelp, visit www.elderhelpofsandiego.-org.